Atacama Chile Tours All-Inclusive Atacama Desert Tour – 3 Days, 3 Nights, 3 Tours + Lodging
tour San Pedro de Atacama towards the southeast

All-Inclusive Atacama Desert Tour – 3 Days, 3 Nights, 3 Tours + Lodging

Atacama highlights package from San Pedro: Moon Valley sunset, sunrise at El Tatio Geysers + Machuca village, floating in Baltinache’s hidden lagoons, airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and bilingual guides included.

4.9
$ 602 per person
72 hours
139 + bookings
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Overview

Touch down in Calama and let a driver whisk you straight to your San Pedro de Atacama hotel, where the real adventure begins over three packed days of desert highlights.

Day one crosses the Cordillera de la Sal to Moon Valley's salt dunes and eerie rock formations, ending with a sunset drink overlooking the "magic bus" wreck. Day two rises before dawn to the Tatio Geysers at 4,300 meters, watching steam plumes erupt against the freezing Andean sky, then descends through Machuca village for crafts. Day three floats in the ultra-salty Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache, where high salt content makes you bob like the Dead Sea, capped by a desert sunset on the return.

All excursions feature hotel pickups, bilingual guides (English, Portuguese, Spanish), air-conditioned transport, breakfast (3 days), and lunch daily.

This compact 3-day package caps at 10 travelers per vehicle for a relaxed pace.

Real talk: altitude hits 4,300 m on Tatio—acclimatize on arrival day, drink coca tea, move slow.

Includes airport transfers round-trip. Book now.

What's Included

  • Round-trip transfers Calama Airport ↔ San Pedro de Atacama hotel.
  • 3 nights selected lodging in San Pedro with breakfast (3 days).
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off for all excursions.
  • Bilingual guide (English, Portuguese, Spanish).
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport.
  • Lunch each day.
  • All taxes and fees.
  • Entrance fees (payable in cash on site): Moon Valley ≈ CLP 10,800/adult Tatio Geysers ≈ CLP 15,000/adult Hidden Lagoons ≈ CLP 12,000/adult (CLP 5,000 children 5-18)
  • Air tickets to/from Calama.
  • Dinner or extra snacks.
  • Gratuities for guides/drivers.
  • Personal expenses.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival + Moon Valley Airport transfer Calama to hotel in San Pedro. Afternoon pickup for Moon Valley: explore Cordillera de la Sal, rock formations, salt mantles, Duna Mayor, and sunset at magic bus viewpoint with drink. Return to hotel.
  2. Day 2: Tatio Geysers Pre-dawn pickup (4:30 AM) and drive to Tatio Geysers (4,300 m): watch fumaroles and steam at sunrise. Descend via Machuca village (crafts, church). Return to hotel by early afternoon.
  3. Day 3: Hidden Lagoons & Departure Early pickup and drive to Baltinache Hidden Lagoons: float in ultra-salty waters (first and last lagoons for bathing), walk trails. Shower facilities at entrance. Sunset in the desert on return. Afternoon/evening transfer to Calama Airport.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your 3-day trip go well, based on common experiences with altitude, weather, and activities. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Warm layers for Tatio mornings (below freezing), sun protection (high UV), comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water aren't optional. Several guests said altitude headaches hit on Day 2—coca tea, slow pace, and hydration helped. One packed a light jacket that saved early starts.
  • Altitude notes. San Pedro at 2,400 m; Tatio at 4,300 m—acclimatize first day. Guests recommended rest on arrival, avoid alcohol initially.
  • Moon Valley sunset. Colors change dramatically—guests loved the drink at magic bus overlook.
  • Tatio geysers. Steam spectacular at dawn—cold but worth it. Guests bundled up and stayed close to hot pools.
  • Hidden Lagoons float. Salt water makes you bob—stings cuts, shower after. Guests called it surreal with turquoise contrast.
  • Group setup. Max 10 per vehicle keeps it intimate. Past visitors said small size allowed personal guide chats and easy stops.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry) for clearest skies and Tatio activity. Guests early 2026 noted June-July mornings crisp with vivid colors. December-April hotter but greener.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Clear skies, best Tatio Colder nights Early mornings
Dec-Apr (Wet) Greener landscapes, fewer crowds Hotter days, possible rain Early to avoid heat

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven trails. Guests found walking moderate but altitude tiring—pace yourself. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Do I need to acclimatize to altitude?

Yes—arrive in San Pedro a day early if possible. Tatio hits 4,300 m on Day 2—drink water, avoid alcohol first days. Guests felt fine with rest and coca tea.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Yes for children who handle long days and altitude. Infant seats available. Families said older kids loved floating in lagoons and stargazing, but monitor fatigue.

Vegetarian meal options?

Limited—notify early for swaps (more veggies/beans). Guests found lunches hearty with local ingredients, but confirm dietary needs.

How cold/hot does it get?

Mornings cold (especially Tatio), afternoons warm/hot. Guests layered up and peeled off—sun strong year-round.

Wildlife sightings?

Flamingos, foxes, vicuñas possible. Guests spotted condors and birds often—guide points them out.

Why this 3-day package?

Covers top highlights (Moon Valley, Tatio, Hidden Lagoons) with hotel pickups, meals, and small groups. Past guests said the guided pace and transfers made it easier than self-driving the desert.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.9 Read more reviews